Mount Taranaki Summit Track

This climb is the most spectacular and adventurous in Taranaki but is not to be taken lightly - Mount Taranaki is more difficult and dangerous than it may appear. It should only be attempted in good weather by fit and experienced trampers with proper equipment.

The best time to climb Mt Taranaki is from February to mid-April when the slopes are bare of snow (though ice remains year round in the crater). It takes 8-10 hours to complete.

In winter and spring conditions snow and ice on the slopes requires mountaineering experience and equipment and a different route into the crater than described below. You are strongly advised not to climb in winter and spring condition unless you have appropriate experience and equipment and knowledge of Mt Taranaki.

Before you climb check the weather forecast at the Metservice and check the DoC website for any current information or alerts.

About

The Summer Route

The summit climb from North Egmont takes 8-10 hours to complete in summer conditions. It is best to start early – it is cooler and helps ensure you don’t run out of daylight hours. There are also great views at sunrise.

In summer the weather can still be very changeable so be well prepared with the right gear:

waterproof raincoat and leggings

sturdy footwear

warm clothing, gloves and hat

sunhat

first aid kit

food and 2-3 litres of water (there is no drinking water on the route)

cell phone, mountain radio and/or personal locator beacon

walking poles (optional)

putties/gaiters (optional).

Before you leave, check in with DoC and make sure that someone is aware of your plans and set a time for your return (you can use the Adventure Smart website). You are advised not to climb alone at any time of the year.

Be prepared to turn back if weather or track conditions deteriorate or you are finding the climb too difficult. Remember - reaching the summit is only the half way point - allow plenty of time to descend safely before nightfall.

Please note: The summit of Mount Taranaki holds great cultural significance. Please resepct this by not standing on the higfhest point, or camping, eating or toileting in the summit area.

From the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre (978m) the Summit Climb heads up the boardwalk past the historic Camphouse and onto Translator Rd (also known as “The Puffer”).

You will approach the TV translator and Tahurangi Lodge (946m) after a tough walk of about 1½-2 hours – with about 3-4 hours still to go to the Summit, sometimes longer. There is a public toilet 100m below the Lodge – this is your last toilet facility until you return later in the day. Please respect the mountain environment and remove all your own waste.

At Tahurangi Lodge you will notice you have entered the alpine zone where tussocks and mosses struggle for survival at this exposed altitude.

On clear days the views are expansive over the blue Tasman Sea, the lush pasture checkerboard of North and South Taranaki and on to the snow-capped volcanoes of the Central North Island.

Continue up past Tahurangi Lodge, cross the Around the Mountain Track into Hongi’s Valley. Climb the many stairways to the scoria zigzag track on the poled route. This track takes you to a rock lava flow called the Lizard (2,314m). When the rocks emerge from the snow in the late spring, this flow begins to look like a lizard.

Take care not to dislodge rocks as you climb higher. Rocks gather speed as they bounce down the mountain and can be extremely dangerous for climbers following your path.

Climbing up the Lizard take you to the summer entrance into the crater. This entrance is normally passable in summer but is very icy and dangerous in winter and spring and even sometimes in early summer.

Once in the crater, which has ice in it all year round, climb the short steep slope to reach the summit rocks. Please respect the spiritual significance to Maori of this mighty ancestor by not standing on the very highest point.

From the summit area most of the mountain features are visible. Look south to Fanthams Peak (Panitahi) and out to the Kaikoura Range in the South Island. Look west over the collapsed crater rim to the Turtle, the rocky feature that from some aspects has a broad turtlelike back. Look down the eroding western slopes to the lahar-covered farmland.

To the North you’ll look down to the Ahukawakawa Swamp nestled under the Pouakai Range and out to the extinct volcanic succession of the Kaitake Range, the Sugar Loaf Islands and Paritutu Rock at New Plymouth.

Look east, over the crater to the Shark’s Tooth, to the very top of the East Ridge. The town of Stratford sits to the east and further on are the vast lowland forests of the Matemateaonga and Waitaanga ranges with the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park visible on the horizon.

The descent is usually quicker (2-3 hours) and a rest and afternoon tea at the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre are just rewards. A dip in the hot pools at the Taranaki Thermal Spa offer a great way to end the day.

The Winter Route

In most cases it is not advisable to climb to the summit during the winter and spring months.